Abstract: We discuss entropies of systems at very low temperatures or, equivalently, the third law of thermodynamics. We conclude that definitive values of such entropies can be established only by experiments on systems with very ...

Abstract: We present the foundations of thermodynamics in a novel sequence in which all basic concepts are defined in terms of well known mechanical ideas. Many definitions are new. The order of introduction of concepts is: system ...

Abstract: We review the chemical equilibrium equations, and conclude that both their derivation and their meaning are problematic. We find that these equations can be established for a suitably defined simple system without chemical ...

Abstract: Starting from the properties of the electromagnetic radiation field at stable equilibrium, we derive expressions for the flows of energy and entropy between two black bodies at different temperatures, interacting only ...

Abstract: We define heat as a particular kind of nonwork interaction that involves only energy and entropy transfers, and that is entirely distinguishable from work. The existence of heat interactions is a consequence of the first ...

Abstract: We discuss relations among properties of systems that consist of any amounts of constituents (including one particle), that have volume as the only parameter, and that are in thermodynamic equilibrium or stable equilibrium ...